We have launched a research fund

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new fund for neonatal research projects.

The fund, which will be available to researchers across the UK, will provide grants to carry out research to improve the lives of babies born premature or sick.

Funding research is essential to achieving our vision that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life. Bliss wants to make a tangible difference to the lives of babies who are born premature or sick.

We will contribute funding to projects focused on the following priority areas:

The most effective ways of judging whether a premature or sick baby is feeling pain.

Impact of developmental care support on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Emotional and other practical support to improve attachment and bonding of premature or sick babies and their families.

We have worked closely with a panel of parents, health professionals and an adult who was born prematurely, as well as experts in the field, to identify these key research questions. The group also looked at those areas which needed further research to identify our priorities.

Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss, said: “We are excited to welcome funding applications from researchers. It’s incredibly important that neonatal research is funded and treatments for the most vulnerable babies are based on strong evidence.

“We have put a lot of care into choosing our priority areas and we believe funding research into these areas will help to give premature and sick babies the best chance of survival and quality of life.”